A's trade Francis to New York Yankees

SEATTLE — The A's, faced with the likelihood of losing Jeff Francis to a waiver claim, traded the left-handed pitcher to the New York Yankees on Friday.

The A's also sent cash along with Francis in exchange for a player to be named later from the Yankees.

Oakland claimed Francis on waivers from Cincinnati May 18 and pitched sparingly — 0-1 with one save and a 6.08 ERA in nine games — before Oakland designated him for assignment when the A's needed to clear roster space for reliever Eric O'Flaherty he came off the disabled list.

Under baseball rules, the A's had 10 days after the DFA move to trade Francis, release him or sign him to a minor league deal if he cleared waivers.